February’s art walk serves as the perfect opportunity for an early Valentine’s Day celebration with your loved ones. The Norman Arts Council’s art event is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at art galleries throughout Norman.

This month’s event features members of the Norman Studio Artists Association displaying artwork in studios along Main Street, live musicians and exhibit openings.  Jazz in June will also be decorating the trolley with a great Mardi Gras inspired theme.

Several local galleries will be open throughout the evening, with most featuring free admission, live entertainment and other activities.

• Bring your sweetheart and experience the romance of the train station at the historic Santa Fe Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave., home of The Performing Arts Studio.  Artist Nick Wu, whose work is on exhibit at the Depot through March 28, will conduct a painting demonstration.  Valentine’s Day themed refreshments and live music also will be provided.

• The School of Art and Art History is hosting a public closing reception for the 2010 Faculty Exhibition on display in the Lightwell Gallery from 6-8pm.  This exhibition is designed to showcase the results of recent creative activity by members of the School of Art & Art History faculty. The work in this exhibition will represent a wide range of media and practices; viewers can expect to see both traditional and experimental works of art.

• Ivan Peña Trio and Off Boyd Jazz will perform at Sonder Music, Dance & Art .  The Ivan Peña Trio features a constellation of traditional gypsy pieces, chansons françaises, and timeless american jazz standards as part of Django Reinhardt’s legacy. In order to recreate the atmosphere of small jazz clubs of the 30’s, the classics are interpreted acoustically through two guitars and a stand-up bass. They endeavor to unite melodic soul of jazz improvisation with the technical virtuosity of gypsy swing.

• Dreamer Concepts Studio presents Dreamer 24: Artists After Hours, focusing on artists in our community that are business professionals by day and artists in their free time.  Dreamer 24 will feature photography, paintings, jewelry and sculptures by Don Cies, Joyce Green, Ken Hoving, Nicole Kraisky, Beth Pepper, Mo Shellist, Don Sherman and Mark Williams.

• Jahruba, a professional musician and storyteller, will perform a unique blend of blues, jazz, worldbeat, reggae, and traditional African rhythms mixed with the red dirt culture of Oklahoma at the Norman Public Library beginning at 6:30. The library will also display works by artist Eric Humphries, depicting the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921.  Oklahoma City based artist Eric Humphries will open a new exhibit in February at the Norman Public Library.  The series entitled “Is the Whole World on Fire?” traces the events of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot.  This thoroughly researched exhibit, over a year in the making, was funded through the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition and the Puffin Foundation of New Jersey.  The artist says that he hopes to bring new attention to this historic tragedy by constructing bright modern paintings that make this little known story relevant to today’s audiences.  Humphries hopes to show the exhibit in a different Oklahoma town each month through 2011.

• The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art celebrates Valentine’s Day Weekend with hands-on Valentine’s card making, live music by the OU School of Music, short film by deadCENTER Film Festival and a beautiful sculpture by 19th century artist Auguste Rodin. Cast between 1887 and 1901, the famous embrace of Francesca da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta is captured eternally in Rodin’s “The Kiss,” on display only through March. 15. Visitors also can create Valentine cards while enjoying live flute and marimba duets, instrumental guitar and 20th century compositions. All events are free and part of the monthly Art “à la CART” program on Feb. 12.

• The Firehouse Art Center Gallery will host a reception for our current exhibit, which is the work of Sharon Burchett and Stuart Asprey.  Sharon Burchett is a local mixed media artist specializing in abstract painting.  She has had solo exhibits at the Gingko Tree Studio and Gallery in Norman, the University of Oklahoma’s Graduate College, the OU School of Art and Art History’s Lightwell Gallery, the Norman Public Library, and at the OU Federal Credit Union.  “My art is my personal expression and I work in a manner based on inspiration. My art is about passion and the world,” Burchett said of her work.  Stuart Asprey is a ceramic artist who was born in Leicester, England and now lives in Norman.  He earned his undergraduate degree in studio art from Humboldt State University in California and his MFA from the University of Oklahoma.  Asprey has been invited to participate in over 40 national and international exhibitions over the past seven years, including Feats of Clay (2009 Second Place), History In The Making (2007 First Place), Red Heat: Contemporary Work in Clay (2005 Honorable Mention) and the Orton Cone Box Show.  His current artwork is a reaction to the overabundance of media-driven information and its role in the social and historical transformation of specific people, places, and events into cultural myths and legends.

Of course, these are just a few of the events taking place during the Second Friday Circuit of Art.  Other free activities and openings are scheduled by members of the Norman Gallery Association and its supporting organizations throughout the night.

Above: Off Boyd Jazz

Ivan Peña Trio and Off Boyd Jazz perform at Sonder Music, Dance & Art on Friday, February 12th at 8:00 p.m. during the Second Friday Circuit of Art.

The Ivan Peña Trio features a constellation of traditional gypsy pieces, chansons françaises, and timeless american jazz standards as part of Django Reinhardt’s legacy. In order to recreate the atmosphere of small jazz clubs of the 30’s, the classics are interpreted acoustically through two guitars and a stand-up bass. They endeavor to unite melodic soul of jazz improvisation with the technical virtuosity of gypsy swing.

The music you hear that sticks in your ears—that’s what you’ll get from the Off Boyd Jazz Band. They play to your ears, to your heart and to your soul. The band soothes with soulful ballads, excites with upbeat bee bop, and swings the night away. Composed of vocalist Laura Wiederhoeft, guitarist Kyle Reid, bassist David Hickey, Trevor Galvin on sax and Chris Schroeder on trumpet, the Off Boyd Jazz Band plays the music they love with a passion.

Embrace Norman arts at January’s Second Friday Circuit of Art. The Norman Arts Council’s art event is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, at art galleries throughout Norman.

This month’s event features members of the Norman Studio Artists Association displaying artwork in studios along Main Street, live musicians and exhibit openings.

Several local galleries will be open throughout the evening, with most featuring free admission, live entertainment and other activities.

• The Prairie Folk Circus will be frolicking about the 2nd Friday Art Circuit as Winter Woodland Creatures.   Be sure to catch their juggling, skating, fiery fun at 7pm near the Moore-Lindsey Historical house at @ 508 N. Peters.  They will ride the cart and may pop up anywhere so watch out.

• Exclusively to 2^nd Friday, Sonder Music, Dance & Art, 225 E. Gray St., will be celebrating the exhibit opening titled Progress/Experience: Sculpture by artist Mike Tresemer.  The artist describes his collection saying, “The abstract wood sculptures are inspired by the natural progression of time and communicate our physical experience in our everyday life. The repetitive quality of the work illustrates our movement through time and acts as a record of what has happened in a specific instance.”  This art opening is free and open to the public.

• The Performing Arts Studio will host Norman artist Nick Wu, who will demonstrate portrait drawing of live models from 7-9pm.  Wu received his art training in China, where he learned to produce strong likenesses of the human face and figure in a classical form. The PAS will also provide musical entertainment.

• As part of its monthly Art “à la CART” series, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on the University of Oklahoma Norman campus will offer hands-on art activities, live music and a short film by the deadCENTER Film Festival from 6 to 9 p.m. SongWriter Association Norman members Tom Crider, Shane Harris and Ryan Welton will provide acoustic performances throughout the event. Visitors of all ages can create original mosaic collages. Admission is free all evening, and visitors can catch the final weekend of two exhibitions, Sooners in the Land of Enchantment: Oklahoma Artists and New Mexico and The Creative Eye: Selections from the Carol Beesley Collection of Photographs.

• Watch Norman Arts Council’s Director Rick Fry at work during January’s art walk.  Rick will be demonstrating landscape painting at Michelangelos coffee and wine bar from 6-9pm.

Of course, these are just a few of the events taking place during the Second Friday Circuit of Art.  Other free activities and openings are scheduled by members of the Norman Gallery Association and its supporting organizations throughout the night.

Progress/Experience: Sculpture by Mick Tresemer opens Friday, January 8, 2010, 7:00-10:00 p.m. at Sonder Music, Dance & Art as part of Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art. The abstract wood sculptures are inspired by the natural progression of time and communicate our physical experience in our everyday life. The repetitive quality of the work illustrates our movement through time and acts as a record of what has happened in a specific instance, Tresemer says.

Celebrate the creativity of Norman arts this December with 2^nd Friday Circuit of Art: Winterfest, 6-10pm on Friday, December 11. Businesses and galleries in downtown Norman open their doors to patrons, offering refreshments to fight against the chill and to enjoy the Holiday season in this free, fantastic event.

December’s 2^nd Friday Circuit of Art has combined with the annual Norman Winterfest, providing an experience entirely unique to Norman.  Everything from blown glass to even an appearance from Santa himself marks the Winterfest art circuit.

• The Norman Public Library is holding its Annual Holiday Open House from 7-8:45 p.m.  The evening’s activities will consist of musical performances by the McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church Chancel Handbell Choir and the Norman Singers along with a holiday sing-a-long. Warm up with hot cider, coffee and cookies. Crafts will be available for children and Santa will pay a visit.

• As part of its monthly Art “à la CART” series, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on the University of Oklahoma Norman campus will offer hands-on art activities, live music and a short film by the deadCENTER Film Festival from 6 to 9 p.m. Local acoustic bands Orange and Atlas, Post Arcadia and The Workweek will perform in the Sandy Bell Gallery. Admission is free all evening, and visitors can see two new exhibitions, Sooners in the Land of Enchantment: Oklahoma Artists and New Mexico and The Creative Eye: Selections from the Carol Beesley Collection of Photographs.

• The Standing Buffalo Indian Art Gallery & Gifts, 106 E Main, will be exhibiting its annual Holiday Show, featuring new works from their exhibiting artists, fine vintage jewelry and made-in-Oklahoma products.

• Visit MAINSITE gallery for the opening reception of the 2009 Emergent Artist Exhibition from 6-10pm.

• Ring of Fire Studio, 318 E. Main, will feature its artists’ latest blown glass creations including lighting, sculpture and gift items for the holidays.

• On display at the historic Santa Fe Depot, home of The Performing Arts Studio, will be an exhibition of paintings by Norman natives and siblings Martin Holland, Bets Holland Lundeen and Catherine Holland “Kit” Peterson.  In addition, The Norman Singers, the performance chorus of the Norman Community Choral Society, will perform a variety of holiday favorites.  The Society, chartered in 1979, is a non-profit group made up of people from all walks of life who share the pleasures of choral music. The Depot is at 200 S. Jones Ave.

• Make sure to stop in at Mitchell’s Jewelry to enjoy an evening of great art, beautiful jewelry and fabulous food & drink. It is a perfect opportunity to get your Christmas Wish List complete or perhaps begin your Christmas shopping. Mitchell’s Jewelry will feature an open house with work by local artist and NAC Executive Director Rick Fry. Stop by to view Fry’s exquisite work and check out the new store.

• First Fidelity Bank, 131 E. Main, will host a reception in the downtown lobby for the public and the photographers who participated in the Norman Park Foundation’s annual Tree Photo Contest. Enjoy live music and refreshments while viewing the results and congratulating the winners.

• Tribes 131 Fine Art & Gift Gallery will be featuring the 2010 Native American Art Calendar, the 13 artists who participate in the signing each year & several artists/authors and their latest books. Also, Tribes is having their Miniature Holiday Show which is featuring over 20 of the Nations top Native American artists and a wonderful variety of works in all mediums including hand crafted jewelry by over 6 artists. Join us for an evening of miniatures, jewelry, books and calendars!

• Dreamers Concepts Studio and Foundation presents the Downtown Arts Market, inside of the Old Town Plaza building located at 102 West Eufaula Street from 4 to 9pm.  The Market features local artists & craftsmen, the Kidoodle’s Kids Art Zone, pictures with the Little River Zoo, live music, performance art, local businesses and non-profit organizations in the Norman community.  DCSF will also celebrate its third birthday from 6 to 10pm with the opening reception for Dreamer 23: “Tis the Threeson….this exhibit is brought to you by the #3.

• The Firehouse Art Center, located at 444 South Flood Avenue, will open its Holiday Gift Gallery during December’s art walk.  The Holiday Gift Gallery offers unique items available for purchase, from high-end fine art to more affordable pieces.  A variety of artstic mediums are represented, including painting, pottery, jewelry, blown glass and sculpture.  Also available are accessories and Christmas ornaments.

• Shevaun Williams & Associates, located at 221 East Main Street, will be showing iconic and abstract images from Washington D.C.  She will also be showing images from the Grand Palais in Paris.  John Jernigan will be showing photographs entitled ‘Homeward Bound”.  It is a collection of images from around the state.  Photographer Jerry Green will show a collection of photos demonstrating a range of photo manipulation techniques, including HDR (High Dynamic Range), wide angle panoramas, and panoramic projects called Relative Perspectives.

Of course, these are just a few of the events taking place during Winterfest.  Other free activities and openings are scheduled by members of the Norman Gallery Association and its supporting organizations throughout the night.

There’s so much to see - don’t miss out on this exciting night. For more information about Winterfest, visit www.normanarts.org or call 360.1162.

Norman Arts Council’s Second Friday Circuit of Art of November welcomes a new gallery at Re-Run Junction, as well as arts activities in the OU Arts District as a part of OU’s Campus Activities Council Family Weekend. The art walk is from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at art galleries throughout Norman.

The arts loop is a monthly Cleveland Area Rapid Transit route that connects the Downtown Arts District with outlying galleries; performance halls and Campus Corner to accompany an art walk the second Friday of each month. Second Friday doubles as an inexpensive family outing or an inexpensive date—perfect for a beautiful November evening.

For only 50 cents per ride or $2 for the whole evening, visitors can park and hop on a CART trolley at Republic Bank & Trust on the corner of Main Street and University Boulevard, or any other stop on the route, and visit participating art galleries and organizations from 6 to 10 p.m. CART riders can get on or off at any of the multiple stops throughout the evening.

Second Friday is excited to announce the addition of the Re-Run Art Gallery, located at 325 E. Comanche St., this month. The gallery is located inside of Re-Run Junction, a non-profit thrift store run and maintained by developmentally disabled adults. The store, which usually sells a variety of items, has just opened the gallery, featuring local artists with and without disabilities. The store and gallery owners want to provide a space for people with disabilities to do the things that most people think they can’t, while helping them to learn life skills needed to be a part of working society. Please call 405-321-2385 for more information on the gallery or store.

As OU will be celebrating CAC Family Weekend, the campus will be alive with the arts during Second Friday. The Lightwell Gallery will show the Graduate Exhibition featuring works of upcoming graduate students. The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on the University of Oklahoma Norman campus will offer hands-on art activities, live music and a short film by the deadCENTER Film Festival.

Additionally, the OU School of Music presents the University Chamber Singers, the OU Juggernaut Tuba Quartet and the Oklahoma Contemporary Movement in the Sandy Bell Gallery of the Fred Jones Museum. Admission is free all evening, and visitors can see two new exhibitions, Sooners in the Land of Enchantment: Oklahoma Artists and New Mexico and The Creative Eye: Selections from the Carol Beesley Collection of Photographs.

The Performing Arts Studio will have live demos by artist Cecil Lee at 7:15 and 8:15 during the art walk. Lee, a University of Oklahoma professor emeritus of art, has long been known for large-scale kinetic sculptures and fiber art frames. Lee retired from OU in 1988 after 29 years of teaching, where he served as director of what is now known as the School of Art and Art History. For more information, contact 405-307-9320.

Of course, these are just a few of the events taking place during the Second Friday Circuit of Art. Other free activities and openings are scheduled by members of the Norman Gallery Association and its supporting organizations throughout the night.

A complete list of each participating gallery and member of the Norman Gallery Association, as well as a CART map for the evening and instructions for riding, is available online at www.normangalleryassociation.com.

Music, Pets Featured at Second Friday Circuit of Art

NORMAN –Norman’s art galleries are offering one last art walk before the summer break ends and school starts up again. The Norman Arts Council’s next monthly Second Friday Circuit of Art is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at art galleries throughout Norman.

Several local galleries will be open throughout the evening, with most featuring free admission, live entertainment and other activities.

The new arts loop is a monthly Cleveland Area Rapid Transit route that connects the Downtown Arts District, outlying galleries, performance halls and Campus Corner to accompany an art walk every second Friday of each month. The family-friendly gallery visit doubles as an inexpensive family outing or an inexpensive date.

For only 50 cents per ride or $2 for the whole evening, visitors can park and hop on a CART trolley at Republic Bank & Trust on the corner of Main Street and University Boulevard, or any other stop on the route, and visit participating art galleries and organizations from 6 to 10 p.m. CART riders can get on or off at any of the multiple stops throughout the evening.

The newest venue on the monthly route, the Moore-Lindsay House at 508 N. Peters Ave., will feature a new exhibition, “The Victorian Era in the West.” Singer/songwriter Sarah Starr will perform at 7 and 8 p.m. in the formal parlor. The nearest CART stop is located at the corner of Gray and Crawford, only three blocks away.

Local businesses are also getting in on the fun.

Mitchell’s Jewelry at 218 East Main St. will continue Dog Days of Summer, a weekend of celebrating people and their pooches, with free dog tag and charm engraving until 8 p.m. Free pet portraits and sketches are available from 4 to 7 p.m., and art will be on display by Carla Waugh, Leslie Dallam and David Maxwell. Visitors are encouraged to bring their pets when visiting the jewelry store, though pets are not allowed on the CART. Mitchell’s Jewelry will donate a percentage of all sales from Thursday through Saturday to Second Chance Animal Sanctuary.

The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art will offer free hands-on art activities, live music and a short film by the deadCENTER Film Festival from 6 to 9 p.m. as part of its monthly Art “à la CART” series. NormanMusicScence.com presents the acoustic Singer/Songwriter Showcase featuring Daddy Love, Matt Stratton and Jared Valouch in the Sandy Bell Gallery throughout the evening. Special guest artist and Irving Middle School art teacher Dan Harris will provide hands-on basket-making instruction. Admission is free all evening.

At Sonder Music, Dance & Art, 225 E. Gray St., Perpetual Motion Modern Dance Oklahoma will perform choreographed works set to music by Radiohead, 1-Speed Bike and Music in the Garden Players. The current exhibition, Eye of Photography: Photos by David Parker, is on display and the performance begins at 8 p.m.

MAINSITE Contemporary Art at 122 E. Main St. will debut a one-night live performance of Phase V, a cinema remix that includes a live soundtrack and actors, at 7:30 and 9 p.m.

Other free activities and openings are scheduled by members of the Norman Gallery Association and its supporting organizations throughout the night.

A complete list of each participating gallery and member of the Norman Gallery Association, as well as a CART map for the evening and instructions for riding, is available online at www.normangalleryassociation.com.